When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Determine apical pulse rate and rhythm.

Observe color and amount of urine.

Compare muscle strength bilaterally.

Assess strength of deep tendon reflexes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: This is the most important intervention because a high serum potassium level can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and rhythm closely and report any changes or abnormalities to the healthcare provider.

Choice B reason: This is not the most important intervention because the color and amount of urine are not directly related to the serum potassium level. The nurse should assess the client's renal function and fluid balance, but these are not the priority assessments.

Choice C reason: This is also not the most important intervention because the muscle strength is not the most sensitive indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should evaluate the client's neuromuscular status and watch for signs of weakness or paralysis, but these are not the priority assessments.

Choice D reason: This is another incorrect intervention because the deep tendon reflexes are not the most reliable indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should check the client's reflexes and note any hyperreflexia or hyporeflexia, but these are not the priority assessments.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Applying lubricant to the cannula tubing is not the best intervention as it may cause irritation or infection of the nasal mucosa. The nurse should use water-soluble gel or saline spray to moisten the nasal passages if needed.

Choice B reason: Placing padding around the cannula tubing is the best intervention as it prevents friction and pressure on the skin. The nurse should use soft materials such as gauze or foam to cushion the tubing and check the skin integrity frequently.

Choice C reason: Decreasing the flow rate to 1 L/minute is not an appropriate intervention as it may compromise the client's oxygenation. The nurse should maintain the prescribed flow rate and monitor the client's vital signs and oxygen saturation.

Choice D reason: Discontinuing the use of the nasal cannula is not an option as it may endanger the client's life. The nurse should continue the oxygen therapy as ordered and provide comfort measures and education to the client.

A. Encourage the client to focus on taking deep breaths. B. Tell the client the medication needs more time to work. C. Ask the UAP to offer a backrub to the client. D. Reassess the client and the level of pain.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is not the best intervention as it does not address the cause of the pain or provide adequate relief. Deep breathing may help the client to relax and cope with the pain, but it is not enough to manage severe pain.

Choice B reason: This is not a true or helpful statement as it may imply that the nurse is dismissing the client's pain or delaying further action. Oxycodone is a fast-acting opioid analgesic that reaches its peak effect within 30 to 60 minutes. If the client is still in severe pain after one hour, the nurse should reassess the pain and notify the healthcare provider.

Choice C reason: This is not the priority intervention as it does not address the cause of the pain or provide adequate relief. A backrub may help the client to relax and distract from the pain, but it is not enough to manage severe pain.

Choice D reason: This is the best intervention as it helps the nurse to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication and the need for further intervention. The nurse should use a valid and reliable pain assessment tool and ask the client about the location, intensity, quality, and duration of the pain. The nurse should also check the client's vital signs and observe for any signs of adverse effects from the medication.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse observes that there are reddened areas on the cheekbones of a client receiving oxygen per nasal cannula at 3 L/minute, and the client's oxygen saturation level is 92%. Which intervention would the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

After administering oxycodone to a client one hour ago, the client is reporting severe pain. Which intervention should the nurse implement next?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is evaluating the fluid balance of a client who was admitted yesterday with dehydration and who has been receiving IV fluids since admission. An increase in which parameter indicates to the nurse that the client is rehydrating?

Prior to initiating digital removal of a fecal impaction, it is most important for the nurse to perform which client assessment?

While preparing to obtain a stool specimen for occult blood, the nurse observes that the client's feces is soft, solid, and light brown. Which action should the nurse implement?

While assessing a client's blood pressure using an aneroid sphygmomanometer, the nurse inflates the cuff to an initial reading of 160 mm Hg. Upon release of the air valve, the nurse immediately hears loud Korotkoff sounds. Which action should the nurse implement next?

A client tells the nurse about starting an aerobic workout program to lose weight and help with insomnia. The client states that it still takes over an hour to fall asleep at night. Which action should the nurse implement?

The nurse is teaching a client how to self-administer low-molecular-weight heparin subcutaneously. Which instruction should the nurse include?

Which equipment should the nurse use to most accurately measure a 2 mL dose of viscous liquid solution to be administered orally?

A client who is on complete bedrest frequently calls the nurse for the bedpan to urinate. Which action should the nurse take to evaluate the client for urinary retention?